The business case for off-grid renewables as a means to expand rural electricity access keeps growing stronger, thanks to steady cost reductions and technological innovation. Yet further accelerating the growth of either mini-gridor stand-alone solutions will depend also on stable policies and regulations, along with dedicated funds and de-risking instruments for renewables.

Technology and business innovation could cut the costs of renewable power generation for mini-grids by 60% in 20 years, according to this conference report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Yet around 600 million people are still expected to lack electricity access in 2040, despite international goals to ensure sustainable energy for all.

The third International Off-grid Renewable Energy Conference (IOREC), held in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2016, identified eight priorities: